Sanwo-Olu’s on-stage jibe, nominees absence… highlights of AMAA 2021

The 17th edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) was held on Sunday, November 28.

The award night played host to actors and movie executives adorned in glistening outfits which were dripping with glamour.

It kicked off, as expected, with a red carpet session replete with the frenzy of activities typical of gatherings that unite entertainers and journalists.

‘Eyimofe’, a film by Arie and Chuko Esiri, the Nigerian brothers, was among the big winners after snagging a total of five awards.

‘The Gravedigger’s Wife’, a Somali film, similarly snagged five AMAA plaques.

‘Citation’ and ‘Ayinla’ scoop one award each, leaving ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’, and ‘La Femme Anjola’ with none.

Funnybone and Chigul — both stand-up comedians — hosted the event while handing out AMAA plaques to awardees.

The psychic ambiance of the event twitched after a mild banter between Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, and the hosts.

Both hosts overly endeared Sanwo-Olu, prompting him to mildly betray his discomfort when he took to the stage.

The governor would later throw some jibes at both entertainers, crack some jokes, and eventually end his speech.

For an award gatekeeping the African movie scene, many awardees were absent to pick up their plaques, further giving credence to ongoing conversations about how African entertainers typically snob local awards.

While most of the awardees invited were either present or had representatives to pick their awards, the plaque for Kunle Afolayan’s movie ‘Citation’ met his absence.

Those present included Funke Akindele, Rita Dominic, Fred Amata, Chinedu Ikedieze, Gideon Okeke, and Lateef Adedimeji.

There were occasional glitches with sound and momentary flaws with having awardees on stage in record time.

Beyond these, the award event was smooth, with 9ice, the Nigerian singer, treating attendees to some of his hit songs.